Suggestions for Very Consuming Distractions while Waiting

[doingthings]

I'm taking (read as: NEED) suggestions. I can't even play video games without being sidetracked by thoughts of acceptances/rejections. I need something completely consuming. HALP.

[jjduval]

Hit the iron, bruh. It keeps your mind occupied and focused on what's going on with your body. If you stick with it, then you'll become very involved with nutrition and general wellness. It'll change your life.

 

If you're already a bad motherfucker, see if you can find a book. I know it sounds corny, but try it out - I just picked up The Count of Monte Cristo, and the intrigue is gooder than hell.

 

Good luck, man. Remember, you're a contender.

[iPsych]

The original Pokemon series is now on Netflix...

 

However, jjduval's suggestion of hitting the gym is definitely the more productive/healthy option

[Icydubloon]

Travel the world

[mmt34c25]

I'm taking (read as: NEED) suggestions. I can't even play video games without being sidetracked by thoughts of acceptances/rejections. I need something completely consuming. HALP.

I would suggest Pokemon X or Y because of your photo, but even that is not helping me right now. I play for approximately two minutes (if that) then check my email and then check the admission results board on here. I may very likely die.

[mmt34c25]

Also if you choose exercise leave your electronics at home or it will just turn into working out while checking your email or to see if you missed a call every two minutes. 

[bmarcus]

Movies and books. Totally saving me right now!

[the_sheath]

Flappy bird worked for a couple hours

[doingthings]

These suggestions are all awesome. Thanks, errbody. I already work out twice a day though (getting swole, yo) and my video games have failed me. I keep checking my email and the results page here. My friends are telling me that I should just live in Disneyland or something.

 

Perhaps I should try reading more. Maybe I just need to take an extra long hike... or go camping.

Edited March 5, 2014 by doingthings

[mmt34c25]

Nothing I try helps. I finally got away from my computer and drank several shots of Fireball with a friend and that kept me from checking my phone every two minutes (it turned into more like every 30 minutes). Things are just going to suck until you hear and that is all there is to it. I can barely even keep up with work I have to do because I am so consumed with waiting to hear something!

 

Hang in there!

[doingthings]

Nothing I try helps. I finally got away from my computer and drank several shots of Fireball with a friend and that kept me from checking my phone every two minutes (it turned into more like every 30 minutes). Things are just going to suck until you hear and that is all there is to it. I can barely even keep up with work I have to do because I am so consumed with waiting to hear something!

 

Hang in there!

Same to you! 

[LittleDarlings]

NETFLIX! Start watching a series! I am one where I can watch NF all day long, take up knitting (I also did that), I looked into events I wanted to go to so I would weekly have something to look forward to, I started exercising and dieting.. Woo ADVOCARE!  I also found a job that takes a large part of my time. 

 

I'm also a major major nerd I started playing the Sims in my free time kind of.. I am ashamed to actually admit it but yes I play some computer games! I also started reading a lot. I got a kindle so I take it everywhere practically. That is what I did to pass my time. 

Edited March 5, 2014 by LittleDarlings

[roguesenna]

what video games do you play? I recommend getting into one you've never played if you can afford it. I can rec some real story-heavy games if you haven't played them. Also, 3DS games are nice since you can take them with you. If you haven't played Link Between Worlds Yet, GET ON THAT SHIT.

 

also, take up a new sport or hobby mebbe? Even if it's just watching a new sport, hockey usually has a game on at least 2-3 nights per week per team and it takes a minute to learn the rules and shit so you can listen to some podcasts, read some blogs, etc. etc. My brother just decided to start liking sports one day and then all of a sudden he was an expert, so if you have time and need a distraction...

 

Also, I'm trying to learn lockpicking... I lost my book though.

[MoJuiced]

 

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/bitwise/2014/01/robot_odyssey_the_hardest_computer_game_of_all_time.html

 

THE HARDEST GAME OF ALL TIME

[themmases]

NETFLIX! Start watching a series! I am one where I can watch NF all day long, take up knitting (I also did that), I looked into events I wanted to go to so I would weekly have something to look forward to, I started exercising and dieting.. Woo ADVOCARE!  I also found a job that takes a large part of my time. 

 

I'm also a major major nerd I started playing the Sims in my free time kind of.. I am ashamed to actually admit it but yes I play some computer games! I also started reading a lot. I got a kindle so I take it everywhere practically. That is what I did to pass my time. 

 

Yes, all of this. Burn Notice, American Horror Story, and House of Cards are all on Netflix and addictive IME. I also need something to do with my hands while I watch TV. If you don't want to do a craft, I recommend drawing, writing, or petting a cat while leaving your phone safely in another room where you can't check it constantly.

 

The Sims can be very immersive and older versions are still great fun if you have a laptop or an older computer that can't handle TS3. There are even still somewhat active communities for TS2 on bigger fan sites like Mod the Sims, which can give you ideas for more interesting ways to play it rather than creating a Sim just like you and then getting bored with them (what I would do otherwise). For example, people try to recreate movies or I like to start a town with only a couple of custom Sims, with the town growing organically and those two basically being the town founders who end up related to almost everyone.

 

Also, look into games you liked or just wanted when you were younger that your computer can probably run with ease now. (Yoot Tower/Sim Tower is on iOS!)

[roguesenna]

Yes, all of this. Burn Notice, American Horror Story, and House of Cards are all on Netflix and addictive IME. I also need something to do with my hands while I watch TV. If you don't want to do a craft, I recommend drawing, writing, or petting a cat while leaving your phone safely in another room where you can't check it constantly.

 

The Sims can be very immersive and older versions are still great fun if you have a laptop or an older computer that can't handle TS3. There are even still somewhat active communities for TS2 on bigger fan sites like Mod the Sims, which can give you ideas for more interesting ways to play it rather than creating a Sim just like you and then getting bored with them (what I would do otherwise). For example, people try to recreate movies or I like to start a town with only a couple of custom Sims, with the town growing organically and those two basically being the town founders who end up related to almost everyone.

 

Also, look into games you liked or just wanted when you were younger that your computer can probably run with ease now. (Yoot Tower/Sim Tower is on iOS!)

 

 

I go back and forth on Sims as a distraction. Sometimes I am fully immersed, sometimes I feel like I am just sitting there waiting for them to do stuff for fake that I could be doing for real.

 

That said, TS3 has a "University Life" expansion and I am not ashamed to admit that I have been doing a little bit of vicarious living through my sims.

[doingthings]

 

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/bitwise/2014/01/robot_odyssey_the_hardest_computer_game_of_all_time.html

 

THE HARDEST GAME OF ALL TIME

I RAGE QUIT THIS GAME AS A KID! I used to play tons of MSDOS games too. Like Hugo's House of Horrors. It used to make me cry. Revisiting this would definitely be fun. Now considering revisiting some other MSDOS point and click/typing adventures too. This is a wonderful idea.

 

@RogueSenna Playing Hotline Miami (Read as: Ragequit Central), Last of Us, Tombraider (the most recent one), Assassin's Creed II, Bravely Default, and finishing up SMT IV. (I know that's a lot, but I tend to play a ton of games in small increments due to rage-quitting.) Going to try LoL maybe? 

[MoJuiced]

if you beat Robot Odyssey you should be awarded an EE degree

[ihatechoosingusernames]

Perhaps I should try reading more. Maybe I just need to take an extra long hike... or go camping.

 

This. Grab a book (a real book, not an ebook with an internet connection) and go camping! I did two or three weekends ago when the waiting game became just a bit too much, and I'm going again in another week. And hiking is always a great way to rid yourself of nervous energy.

[glm]

At the risk of sounding like Grad Cafe's crazy bird lady: go birding! Finding birds is fun, identifying them is absorbing, and watching them is a thrill. Ebird is a great site to explore recent sightings wherever you are or want to go. I also support the extra long hike and camping idea! In general, I think any outdoors or physical activity will help keep your mind off of the wait.

[likemythesis]

Start a time-consuming and difficult craft. Refuse to give up. 

 

I'm on the Netflix route myself, but I'm slowly running out of shows I want to watch. Time for some rewatching!

 

Also, naps.

[krishnalynn]

I'm only on Season 2 of Breaking Bad. Even if I binge watch until the day I'm supposed to receive my results I still don't think I can finish. 

 

So it's basically Breaking Bad and Candy Crush 

[doingthings]

At the risk of sounding like Grad Cafe's crazy bird lady: go birding! Finding birds is fun, identifying them is absorbing, and watching them is a thrill. Ebird is a great site to explore recent sightings wherever you are or want to go. I also support the extra long hike and camping idea! In general, I think any outdoors or physical activity will help keep your mind off of the wait.

I've never tried going birding before!! That actually sounds like a ton of fun! Maybe I'll see more than mourning doves if I actually try. (Also is that a nudibranch in your profile pic?? I love nudies.)

[Eco_Vibes]

@doingthings, I see your intended programs are in the marine sciences, as are mine!  Out of curiosity, where have you applied?  Until this point, I've received nothing but rejection.  All the rest seem to be taking an awfully long time making final decisions.  

 

To keep busy, I've been splitting my time between reading, volunteering, movies, and running (which I highly recommend!).  Checking my email/phone any less than 10 times a day is a MAJOR accomplishment.  Although, I see this as torture, and quickly revert to my old ways of checking every 2 minutes... soo my sanity is quickly fading.  Nonetheless, best of luck to all!

[doingthings]

@doingthings, I see your intended programs are in the marine sciences, as are mine!  Out of curiosity, where have you applied?  Until this point, I've received nothing but rejection.  All the rest seem to be taking an awfully long time making final decisions.  

 

To keep busy, I've been splitting my time between reading, volunteering, movies, and running (which I highly recommend!).  Checking my email/phone any less than 10 times a day is a MAJOR accomplishment.  Although, I see this as torture, and quickly revert to my old ways of checking every 2 minutes... soo my sanity is quickly fading.  Nonetheless, best of luck to aY

YAY! Fellow Marine Sci applicant!! I applied to only two schools (UNE and UMich). I haven't heard anything from either of them . Let me know when you get accepted somewhere! Also, I've been to the Bodega Marine Lab in UC Davis, and I have to say that I love it there! Who were you hoping to work with? I hope you get in!